Leinster's toughest task to date saw them maintain their 100 per cent record in all
competitions following their 19 point win over Newcastle in Donnybrook.
It was a physical contest but Leinster's pack were once more up to the task.
The Newcastle team included Lions fly-half Jonny Wilkinson who kicked seven
penalties against Newport last week.
But his attempts to put Leinster on the back foot backfired when his deep
kicks into space were promptly returned to the Newcastle 22.
The only try of the first-half came Leinster's way in first half injury time
when they led by just three points.
It was manufactured by former Wallaby fly-half Nathan Spooner and had class
written all over it.
Spooner's quick sidestep enabled him to find a gap inside the Newcastle 22 and
his run then took him clear of the visitors cover.
Brian O'Driscoll joined the move before finally releasing winger Gordon D'Arcy
into the corner.
That opened up an eight point lead for the home side but the tempo dropped
after that with the Leinster passing falling rather flat as the first-half drew
to a close.
But they returned refreshed after the interval and extended their lead when
Eric Miller went over on the left following a fine team effort.
But Leinster were once more reminded of Wilkinson's threat with the boot after
substantial penalties left just a converted try between the two with just under
15 minutes to go.
But the Falcons were dealt a severe blow when flanker Richard Arnold was sin
binned following a high and reckless challenge on Keat Gleeson.
And the game was sealed with five minutes remaining when Leinster were awarded
a penalty try after two Newcastle players had ventured offside as Brian O'Meara
attempted to make the touchdown from a Leinster put-in straight in front of the
posts.
And then to put the icing on the cake, O'Driscoll went over in spectacular
style with seconds to go after Gleeson had intercepted.
Leinster:
Dempsey, D. Hickie, O'Driscoll, Horgan, Darcy,
Spooner, O'Meara, Corrigan, S. Byrne, E. Byrne, Cullen,
O'Kelly, Miller, Gleeson, Costello.
Replacements: Magro for Darcy (80), Dunne for Spooner (80),
Willis for O'Meara (80), G. Hickie for S. Byrne (80),
Coyle for E. Byrne (80), Casey for Cullen (57).
Not Used: Brennan.
Tries: Darcy, Miller
Penalty, O'Driscoll.
Cons: Spooner.
Pens: Spooner 2.
Newcastle:
Walder, Botham, Tuigamala, May, MacLure, Wilkinson,
Charlton, Peel, Makin, Graham, Grimes, Weir, Dunbar, Arnold,
Lam.
Replacements: Stephenson for MacLure (68), Ward for Peel (60),
Balshen for Makin (71), Vyvyan for Weir (57),
Taione for Dunbar (68).
Not Used: Armstrong, Devonshire.
Pens: Wilkinson 3.
Sin Bin: Arnold (67).
Att: 7,500
Ref: D Gillet (France).
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